„Man sitzt in einer Seifenblase, während die anderen Menschen leben.“ – Perspektiven geflüchteter ukrainischer Mütter mit Kindern von 0–3 Jahren

Little is known about the situation of Ukrainian parents with children up to the age of three who have fled to Germany since Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The aim of the National Center for Early Intervention research project is to explore the perspective of this group on their lives in Germany. This analysis focuses on the burdens and resources of the parents and their knowledge and use of support services.

In 17 interviews (duration approx. one hour each), parents (16 mothers, one father) who had fled from Ukraine to Germany with children up to the age of three were interviewed between October and December 2022, and their answers were qualitatively analyzed using structured content analysis.

The interviewees primarily described the psychological stress caused by war and flight, negative emotions such as feelings of loneliness, sadness and lack of motivation, and obstacles to integration as burdens. Resources were primarily networks of Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking people in Germany as well as personal resources such as self-care skills. Supporting services were generally communicated via electronic media. Services for childcare, language courses, and support with health issues were considered particularly useful. A lack of childcare was the most important reason for not taking up other services.

The psychological stress of the interviewees indicates a need for therapy capacities in their native language. Childcare may enable Ukrainians to attend language courses that promote integration. The self-organized networks of the Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking community should be involved in the development of interventions for this target group in a participatory manner from the outset.